Joint for toy blocks



Oct. 24,1933. L. JOHNSON. JR

JOINT FOR TOY BLOCKS Filed Feb 24, 1933 2 Sheets-Sheet l Oct. 24, 1933. L, JQHNSQN, JR 1,932,074

JOINT .FOR TOY BLOCKS Filed Feb. 24, 1933 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Oct. 24, 1933 1,932,074

UNETED STATES PATENT OFFICE 1,932,074 JOINT FOR TOY BLOCKS Lane Johnson, Jr., Catonsville, Md. Application February 24, 1933. Serial No. 658,280 2 Claims. (01. 287-108) The present invention relates to toy blocks and and transverse axes 26, and of the flat sheet. particularly to that type of blocks used in the The sheet metal is then bent along dotted lines construction of various forms of trussed struc- 2'7, and 28 to form two sides 4, 4, and a joining tures. portion. The distance between the sidewalls 4, 4,

5 The object of the present invention is to conis equal to the thickness of the elements, 1, so as struct a set of blocks consisting of various bars, to provide a snug fit thereon. The inside depth dowels, discs, and formed parts. of the formed clamp 3 is equal to the height of The various figures appended hereto indicate the bar 1. Dowels 2, or 8 are then inserted some of the forms, to which uses the blocks may through the two apertures within the clamping l0 be put, with details of the blocks, dowels, and member 3. The length of said dowels 8 are such discs. ,Like characters of reference are used as to cause them to protrude beyond the sides throughout the following specification and the 4, 4, to receive a spring clip '7. Two spring clips accompanying drawings to designate correspondare used on each joint, one on the outside of each ing parts. wall 4, and in contact therewith. The details of 15 Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 shows an the clip are illustrated in Figure 5, wherein 7 isometric view of one of the structures formed represents a piece of wire formed to provide two by the blocks. Figure 2 shows an enlarged view hooks 18, 18, to receive dowels 2, 2, 8, 8. Be

of the proposed connection used in obtaining a tween these two hooks, is a loop 1'? providing lengthened strut. Figure 3 shows an isometric resiliency in the clip keeping the hooks in firm,

20 view of the slotted channel shown in Figure 2. contact with dowels 2, 2, 8, 8. From an inspec Figure 4 is a developed view of the channel shown tion of this joint it is obvious that there are three in Figure 3. Figure 5 shows-the details of the degrees of restraint imposed. The fact that the spring clip shown in Figure 2. Figures 6 to 10 spring clips 7 engage dowels 2, 2, 8, 8, which are inclusive show in detail the construction of the inserted in apertures 9, 10, of bar 1, ensures a "5 blocks, discs and dowels which comprise the reclose fitting abutment of said bars. By virtue so mainder of the set. of the clamp 3 engaging the abutting ends of the In carrying out my invention, I provide a plubars 1, insurance is provided against rotation or rality of bars 1 of varying length. Each bar is weaving of the joint about the major axis of the provided adjacent each end with an aperture 9, rectangular section of bar 1. Due to the fact 30 10 for the reception of cylindrical bars, or dowels that the abutting bars 1 have the clamp 3 there- 2. The cylindrical bars or dowels 2 are likewise on with dowels 2, 8 passing through adjacent of varying length to provide versatility in the conapertures 9, 10, thereof and are held by spring struction of the toy structures. The bars 1 are clips 7, insurance is provided against any rotaof rectangular cross-section of approximately tion or weaving of the joint about the minor axis 35 x The apertures 9,10 are approximately of the rectangular section of bar 1. 5%" in diameter. The cylindrical bars, or dow- In the construction of various toys such as els 2 are complementary in form to the apertures carts, bridges, etc., it is often necessary to pro- 9, 10 in the bars 1. In order to connect the bars 1 vide means for constructing a flooring or/ and together to provide struts of varying length, an roofing. As shown in Figure 1, flooring and roof- 40 abutment joint is made therebetween. This joint ing consists in a plurality of chamfered boards is formed by abutting two like members 1, or mem- 13 of a width less than the length of the dowels bers the same form as 1 of different length, end to 2, and correspondi end, and placing over said abutting ends the clamp between the centers of the apertures 9, 10 of each member 3. The details of the clamping member of the bars 1. The chamfer 14, is of a radius 45 are shown in Figures 3 and 4, wherein 3 repreequal to that of the bars 2. In order to increase sents a piece of flat sheet metal which has four the variation of type of structure which might be apertures 5 punched therefrom by a die stamp. constructed, provision is made for an additional These apertures 5 are of general U-shape. The type of flooring member, said member being illusdistance between the curved portions of each U trated in Figure 9. A plurality of boards 15 are 50 in a side 4 is less than twice the distance between provided each of which is of a width less than the outermost part of aperture 9 or 10 and the the length of the dowels 2, and corresponding in end of the bar. This arrangement ensures a length to the distance between the centers of the tight abutment of the two members 1, when they aperturesQ, 10 of each of the bars 1. The chamare in assembled relation. These apertures 5 are fer 16 is of a semi-circular nature, the center of 55 symmetrically located relative to the longitudinal which lies on the line which corresponds to the centerline of the apertures 9, 10, and of a radius equal to that of the dowel 2, the thickness of said board being slightly greater than the diameter of the dowel. This construction prevents the dislodging of the boards when a structure is assembled in a position other than horizontal.

For purpose of mobility, inclusion is made of discs 11 represented in Figure 10. These discs are apertured at the center to receive dowels 2, and are of conventional form for use as wheels.

It is to be understood that the above described structure illustrates only the preferred embodiment of the invention and I do not intend that it should be limited to this use only, but may be varied Within the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim, and desire to protect by Letters Patent, is as follows:

1. A connection comprising a plurality of bars, each bar having an aperture adjacent an end thereof; a connector therefore consisting of a channel shaped clamp formed to receive abutting ends of said bars, said clamp having U-shaped apertures aligned with the apertures of said bars when in assembled relation; dowels passing thru all of said apertures; spring clips engaging said dowels to complete a connection which ensures three degrees of restraint.

2. A connection comprising a plurality of bars, each bar having an aperture adjacent an end thereof; a connector therefore consisting of a channel shaped clamp formed to receive abutting ends of said bars, said clamp having elongated apertures alinged with the apertures of said bars when in assembled relation; dowels passing thru all of said apertures; spring clips engaging said dowels to complete a connection which ensures three degrees of restraint.

LANE JOHNSON, JR. 

